Dolphins guard Richie Incognito is in his eighth season in the NFL. / Robert Mayer, USA TODAY Sports

by Tom Pelissero, USA TODAY Sports

by Tom Pelissero, USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins might be done with Richie Incognito. The next question might be whether the rest of the NFL is, too.

Amid allegations the embattled guard bullied teammate Jonathan Martin, who left the team last week after a cafeteria prank, the Dolphins were considering cutting ties with Incognito, a person with knowledge of the team's thinking told USA TODAY Sports on Monday afternoon.

The person requested anonymity because he had not been authorized to speak publicly on Incognito's status.

The Dolphins suspended Incognito on Sunday night for conduct detrimental to the team, less than 16 hours after issuing a statement that dismissed the bullying allegations as "speculation."

Another person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports the statement upset the representatives of Martin, who then handed over evidence of the alleged harassment that sparked an NFL investigation into the matter and led to Incognito's suspension.

It could be the last straw for Incognito, 30, who has a history of bad behavior dating to his days at the University of Nebraska and once was voted the NFL's dirtiest player, though he had claimed in recent months he was a changed man.

Asked whether Incognito will get claimed if he hits waivers, an executive in personnel for another NFL team USA TODAY Sports, "I think he can file his retirement papers."

Another NFL personnel man said Incognito remains a midlevel starter in his ninth NFL season but agreed no team would take a chance on Incognito if he hits the street -- at least not immediately.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity for competitive reasons.

Just days after a thrilling overtime victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Dolphins now are dealing with not only the distraction of the situation, but the loss of two offensive linemen who had started most of the season.

Bryant McKinnie, acquired in a trade from the Baltimore Ravens, replaced Martin as the starting left tackle two weeks ago. Martin moved to the right side, where Tyson Clabo took over after his departure. The Dolphins' online depth chart now lists Nate Garner in Incognito's place at left guard.